Research Associate in Molecular Microbiology

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Research Associate to work within the research area of Molecular Microbiology at the School of Infection and Immunity under the supervision of Dr Giusy Mariano.

The post will focus on investigating the mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of phage-anti-phage systems, specifically those of newly discovered anti-phage systems. The role requires extensive knowledge and practical experience in molecular cloning, genetics, microbiology, and bioinformatics.

Job Purpose

You will contribute to an MRC-funded research project investigating novel prophage-encoded anti-phage systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the School of Infection and Immunity under the supervision of Dr Giusy Mariano. The successful candidate will use interdisciplinary and cutting-edge approaches to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying phage-anti-phage systems interactions and their evolutionary dynamics in a physiologically relevant context.

The successful candidate will form part of a team and will be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals arising from this project. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to liaise and visit the laboratories of collaborators involved in this project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI): Dr Giusy Mariano:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3. Under the supervision of Dr Giusy Mariano, and in collaboration with the Harrison lab, establish an in vitro endotracheal tube model for investigation of phage-anti-phage systems evolutionary dynamics

4. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

5. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and implement a suitable research strategy.

6. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the School and wider community.

7. Take a leading role in group meetings and School research activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School.

8. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

9. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.

10. Make a leading contribution to teaching activities [eg demonstrating etc] and associated admin as assigned by the Director of Institute and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

11. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field.

12. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

13. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Director of Research.

14. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan – World Changers Together

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criterion in the format explained above you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Knowledge /Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] in bacteriology or a cognate discipline with at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role(s)

A2. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge in molecular cloning, genetics, microbiology, and bioinformatics.

Skills

Essential:

C1. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge and practical experience in genetics, molecular biology techniques and novel cloning methods.

C2. Up-to-date theoretical knowledge in bacterial anti-phage systems, phage biology or in a related field.

C3. Excellent skills in fluorescence microscopy

C4. Sufficient skills and experience with bioinformatic data analysis, as well as proficiency in Unix and/or Python.

C5. Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C6. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C7. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C8. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills

C9. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C10. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Desirable:

D1. Experience in setting up/employing host-mimicking ex-vivo and in vitro lung or endotracheal tube models

D2. Experience in investigation of P. aeruginosa

D3. Experience in high-throughput investigation of pathogens (i.e. P. aeruginosa) and the development and application of new treatments. D4. Experience and knowledge in performing and analyse data from in vitro longitudinal evolution experiments.

D5. Skills in flow cytometry and cell sorting

Experience

Essential:

E1. Sufficient  depth of theoretical knowledge  in bacterial anti-phage systems, phage biology or in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2. In-depth experience with molecular cloning and genetics

E3. Experience with fluorescence microscopy

E4. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E5. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E6. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E7. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers

E8. Experience in undertaking independent research

Desirable:

F1. Experience with host-mimicking in vitro or ex-vivo lung/endotracheal tube models

F2. Experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting

F3. Experience in in vitro longitudinal evolution experiments

Any further enquiries on this post may be directed to Dr Giusy Mariano via email Giusy.Mariano@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,247 - £45,163 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 3 years from start date

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Closing Date:  23:45 on 24 February 2025